BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring the likes of Ian Cole (MIN), Pierre-Luc Dubois (CBJ), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM), and more!
The Oilers have a bit of a mind-bender brewing on the right side of their defense and a couple of big contracts set to expire there with some high-end prospects almost ready to take over. What is Ken Holland set to do?
TSN’s Frank Seravalli says that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins might not be in the Oilers’ plans going forward. Read all about it right here.
Craig Button absolutely tore the Oilers a new a$$hole on TSN 1260 recently. Click this link and read what he said!
NHL Rumors and Speculation
- Ian Cole’s trade from Colorado to Minnesota seems to have been made with an eye on the future in a couple of ways,
“His trade to Minnesota for Greg Pateryn (with the Avalanche keeping 18 percent of Cole’s salary), creates flexibility and the ability to bank room for the trade deadline. The numbers game is obvious for the Avalanche as Bowen Byram and Conor Timmins arrive.”
BLH’s Thoughts: If the Avalanche are clearing cap room now and we’re hearing that they’re checking in on Pierre-Luc Dubois… Is Joe Sakic going big-game hunting this year akin to how his old GM, the departed Pierre Lacroix, used to do when he was a player?
If you’re Columbus, who’d you expect to get off the Avs though? I’m not sure there’s a good fit if the Blue Jackets are looking to trade for someone that will slot in on their first-line right away.
- Friedman speculates that Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald’s contract and their good start to the year could affect his future with the club long-term it expires after this season,
“Could have implications for them or possibly even Pittsburgh, where Fitzgerald worked before.”
BLH’s Thoughts: If Jim Rutherford steps down, could the Pens go with Fitzgerald? I like what he’s done with New Jersey so far and sooner or later Pittsburgh is going to have to embrace some sort of rebuild.
- New Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito is not off to a good start with his bosses or playing personnel so far with his treatment of current NHL ironman Keith Yandle,
“There was a wild rumour the Panthers wouldn’t invite him to camp, which obviously didn’t happen and I’m not sure that’s even allowed anyways.”
“Where things really went off the rails is Yandle was very upset over the past couple of weeks because he felt his character was called into question — that he was made to feel it wasn’t about his play but his personality.”
“At some point over the past few days, several teammates stepped up and made it clear they felt he should be in the lineup.”
“There’s a lot of speculation that he would be willing to waive to Boston. I’m not convinced there’s a match, however. The Bruins have been extremely careful not to add long-term money. It doesn’t fit their current activity.”
- Doesn’t sound like things are getting any closer between the Edmonton Oilers and fan-favorite Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
“I’d heard earlier in the off-season that the Oilers and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins were getting close on an extension, but that’s gone quiet for awhile now.”
BLH’s Thoughts: The longer Nuge goes without producing on McDavid’s wing, the more the fans are going to call for Tippett to get him back on Draisaitl’s line. Now, if he continues to struggle, it won’t be long until the trade calls start to get louder and louder.
For myself, I would have zero qualms dealing RNH if it got the Oilers one of two things, A) a proper starting goalie or B) a top-four defenceman.
One scenario to consider might start in Columbus. If they make a deal to move Dubois and can get a very good winger back, could they be willing to part with one of their goaltenders for Nugent-Hopkins?
- Some of the league’s top teams could be in on Pierre-Luc Dubois,
“I do think there are some very, very good teams in the weeds on Dubois, waiting to see how the Blue Jackets handle this. I’d be very curious to know what Colorado and Tampa Bay think.
BLH’s Thoughts: Wouldn’t it be something if Tampa could find a way to get Dubois? After getting out of that salary cap hell they found themselves in over the summer… It would be very interesting if not extremely entertaining if that happened.
I did hear a possible 3-way trade between the Blue Jackets, Canadiens, and Jets rumor recently. Saying that Dubois could go to Montreal, Laine to Columbus, and Nick Suzuki plus plus plus would go to Winnipeg, but I don’t know. The only thing that fits is Dubois to Montreal as I’m certain they have Nick Suzuki held in very high regard there. Jesperi Kotkaniemi on the other hand… I think he could be had. Also, do you reckon Patrik Laine would be happy playing for John Tortarella?
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